Tips for a Beaver Island Adventure

Once upon a time, King James Strang ruled over this 60-square-mile island located a far-flung 32 miles into Lake Michigan from Charlevoix. The monarch was actually a renegade Mormon who brought his followers to the secluded island in the mid-19th century so that he could rule as he pleased, polygamy and all. Remnants of Strang’s kingdom—the old Mormon print shop is now a museum—add color to an island that is packed with adventure.

Two lighthouses, one at each end of the island, make for outstanding day trips. Miles of dirt roads mean fab mountain biking. Charter a boat to take you around the island or to explore the coves and deserted beaches of the nearby smaller islands of the Beaver Archipelago. Sign on for guided kayak and fishing trips, lounge on miles of near-deserted beaches. Even play a round of golf.

Plot your day in Boyne City, Charlevoix, Elk Rapids & Torch Lake Region using this Interactive Map: Choose an activity in "I'd like to find" and choose a town for "in a town near." Then click away!

Check out all the music, festivals, arts and events of all kinds happening in Boyne City, Charlevoix, Elk Rapids, Torch Lake and more: Just pop in the name of the town you'd like to play in and choose amongst hundreds of things to do!